DEBATE • For a long time, it was obvious to me that I would vote for the Sweden Democrats and mark my ballot for Richard Jomshof. However, due to several extremely incomprehensible decisions made by the Sweden Democrats’ leadership, as well as the election platform now presented by the Örebro Party, I will instead cast my vote for the Örebro Party. I will always vote for what I believe is best from a long-term perspective. That which gives future generations the opportunity to grow up in a strong, safe, and Swedish Sweden.

There was much to criticize about the Sweden Democrats, even when I previously intended to vote for the party. Nevertheless, I felt that the party, for much of the parliamentary term, was moving in the right direction. My plan was to give my personal vote to Jomshof, as many votes for him would send a signal that a more assertive repatriation policy was a priority among core voters.

The top leadership of the Sweden Democrats and their recent actions have, however, made it impossible for me to put their ballot in the box. Numerous decisions in recent months have meant retreat after retreat in the face of the bourgeois government’s clear agenda to gradually reintroduce a liberal immigration policy.

The party has recently agreed that illegal immigrants should be able to receive social benefits for dental care that cannot be postponed. This was decided on August 13 in the Riksdag. It’s worth remembering that the Sweden Democrats had previously compromised on dental care, which increased costs for young adult Swedes. This just makes matters worse.

The party has also backed down concerning labor immigration. By allowing exception after exception, regulated labor immigration is undermined. The Tidö Coalition now permits numerous exceptions to the wage floor. This is a pure wage-dumping immigration, something the party has long claimed to want to fight. It will also increase immigration over time, especially if the EU manages to push through the agreement for which frameworks have been negotiated with India. 

The party has also given up on the issue of converting permanent residence permits into temporary ones. One of the most important issues to resolve.

This is just a sample of poor decisions. We’re talking about the largest party in a coalition which, during negotiations, compromised away major ministerial posts, including the prime minister’s post, which according to the PC politicians’ favorite term, “praxis,” they should have had. That, in itself, should have given the party enormous influence over policy.

Party leader Jimmie Åkesson has also repeatedly clarified in interviews that they will be satisfied with what has been achieved this mandate period in migration policy. Even though, to put it mildly, it is insufficient.

If Richard Jomshof had been party leader, the policy outcomes within the Tidö Collaboration would likely have been better and more acceptable. There would have been a clear path forward. Even if there surely would have been some bitter pills to swallow, it probably would have been worth it from a long-term perspective.

Outside parliament, there is a strong challenger in the form of the Örebro Party and its leader Markus Allard. Their election platform includes a well-developed and assertive repatriation policy. No other party, inside or outside parliament, has such a clear and well-thought-out policy in this field. The party’s energy, weapons, and welfare policies are also good.

Markus Allard also has a completely different and better approach to how negotiations should be conducted compared to the current leadership of the Sweden Democrats. In addition to crossing the 12-percent threshold in the Örebro constituency, the party also needs as strong support as possible at the national level. This would lay the foundation for a successful election in 2030 and at the same time put pressure on the Sweden Democrats.

My vote goes to the party that demonstrates political will and presents a clear path forward. In this election, it is therefore undoubtedly the Örebro Party that gets my vote. Future generations of Swedes deserve to grow up in a secure, strong, and Swedish Sweden.

Jeff Ahl
Chairman of the Heimr think tank
Former SD Member of Parliament